I Feel Bad For Him – Van Dijk Feels Mane’s Pain

Prior to both teams’ Monday FIFA World Cup match, Virgil van Dijk, a defender for the Netherlands, expressed sympathy for Sadio Mane, a forward for Senegal.

Van Dijk expressed sympathy for Mane, who due to recent injury issues will not play for Senegal against the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar.

Before the forward departed Liverpool for Bayern Munich in the summer, Van Dijk and Mane were teammates at the club.

Recall that Mane will miss Senegal’s “first game” at the World Cup due to a leg injury he sustained while playing for Bayern Munich, according to a board member of the Senegal Football Association.

Mane’s right fibula injury was verified earlier this week by Bayern Munich in a statement posted on their official website.

Van Dijk acknowledged that he was disappointed that Mane will miss Senegal’s World Cup debut against the Netherlands.

“I don’t believe he’ll play” (against the Netherlands). First and foremost, I was sad for him. I’ve been in a situation where I’ve missed the Euros, so I’m not happy about this situation.

Van Dijk said, “He has been such an important figure in that group for their country. We as players work so hard to get to this stage.”

“I’m sure he’ll put on a brave face, but it’s hard and I feel bad for him,” I said.

At the World Cup, Group A includes Qatar, Ecuador, the Netherlands, and Senegal.